– Gran Fort claimed that because the partner had free access to his brothels, Stan took advantage of that influence to circulate opium. Stan says Gran Fort knew from the start, but we have no proof of the Lord's involvement, nor testimonies from others. The man helped with the investigator's search—you, so that only benefits him. – The chief said while gesturing a lot in my direction. – Any information will help us, Blauth. I know your paternal bond may interfere, but...
– I would never cover for a criminal, sir. Those days in prison were stormy; my memories are vague. – I kept my gaze steady on the other, who just sighed. The chief believed me, and that only made my guilt worse. I was not in a position to betray the man who raised me. Fear spread through my entire being, even though I knew there could be another way to handle this, I needed time to think.
I left Eric's house that morning; the investigator went to the militia to gather testimonies. I took the opportunity to collect my belongings, which were already in the carriage. I felt broken. You're not fit for this job. It was all a childish wish from a child; I had no reason to keep fooling myself.
– Sir. – I took off the badge and placed it on the table. The older man stared at me in disbelief. – I'm resigning from my investigator position. At this moment, I am detaching myself from the corporation. – My voice was choked with those bad feelings, I was giving up my dreams, illusions only. If I continued, I would only break more and eventually put Félix's life at risk.
– Blauth, have you lost your mind? Does Félix know about your decision?! – The chief looked at me incredulously, as he knew my aspirations like no one else. Watching my work, seeing all my effort, so his look of disappointment and disbelief made my decision even harder.
– He will be properly informed by you, sir. – I was sad but forced a faint smile. I didn't want to worry anyone. – I'm going back home, the place I should never have left.
– When you say home... – The chief sounded suspicious but not completely against it. Maybe he thought I needed some private time to reflect and return to the corporation. But he was wrong; there was no escaping the webs tightening around me.
– Then goodbye, sir. – I made a brief bow and headed for the door. Before leaving, I heard his voice.
– I'll keep this badge for you. – The man was stubborn, but I smiled without looking back and left, bumping into someone small enough not to be in my field of vision. I grabbed the boy by the waist.
– Calm down, Taylor. – I said, seeing the boy blush completely and hold his papers before they fell.
– Thank you, Blauth. – He gently freed himself from my arms, shy in his own way.
– Take good care of things without me. – I tousled his already messy red hair. The boy looked at me confused, but I gave no answer. I went to the carriage waiting with my things. The place was big, smelled of old papers and coffee—a much-consumed product there. Some people were busy. It wasn't a large corporation; we worked on specific, difficult, often brutal cases. I didn't stay long to appreciate the place; I didn't want to run into Eric. I still felt hurt by his words, full of truth, spoken so seriously. How could I not take them as truth? When I sat down, it felt like the reality I was returning to fell like concrete on my chest.
As the carriage moved further, my fear grew. I brought my fingertips to my lips, remembering the kiss on the balcony at the party two weeks ago, like a distant memory. I wished I had enjoyed every touch more. Eric was a complicated guy, and every action confused me. Yet when he admitted he wanted me, I felt my chest swell with euphoria, something I'd never felt before. Now I was going home; at least I would see my mother, his owner. I closed my eyes; it would be a long trip, so I let myself be lulled to sleep.
Nightmares—I saw and felt something piercing my flesh, numbness. "I will never forgive you." Eric's voice echoed in my head; I saw his angry and contemptuous face. I tried to turn and hide, but the bindings that wrapped me showed my helplessness, my weaknesses. I realized I was trapped, like the box of my life, shrinking the more I struggled, trapping me. You will never escape me. Never. I woke up startled, breathing heavily, my eyes wet. I wiped them angrily. I looked outside—rain. Did it never stop raining?!
– We have arrived, sir. – I heard the coachman say and noticed we were entering the estate, passing through the enormous garden. I left there convinced I would never return. I am so filthy. I feel worse; I lied to Eric. What would he do if he knew Gran Fort was my lover? Would he say I'm his accomplice? I left without knowing what passion was, and now that I know, I'm not sure I want to feel it again.
I stepped out of the carriage holding the umbrella, said goodbye to the coachman after grabbing my suitcase. The footsteps ahead echoed on the granite; each step felt like lead. I wore black; it was a special occasion—after all, I was ending my dreams. Nothing matched better than mourning. I stopped in front of the huge wooden door and knocked several times. It didn't take long for one of the servants to open. I didn't know the girl and at that moment didn't care to.
– Lord Gran Fort awaits you in his chambers. – My stomach twisted suddenly. I breathed deeply and nodded. Walking those corridors brought memories—not exactly bad, actually, I had a great childhood, and even when I got involved with the lord of this mansion, it wasn't unpleasant. But I thought I could move on when I wanted, detach from each room, each painting, door, or window. Yet everything seemed soaked in the place, and it wouldn't go away. It was part of this place, the ornament of Lord Gran Fort. An object. Be it the most beautiful statuette or tapestry.
I breathed deeply, placed my hand on the wood, and knocked three times. I heard the rough, sonorous voice granting me permission to enter. I hesitated, nervous. When I finally entered, nothing had changed—large and luxurious, the biggest room, the huge canopy bed. Every detail was precious, from the large balcony with open curtains to the side bathroom with Renaissance-carved wood, family portraits, and the enormous wardrobe. In the black upholstered armchair sat the man, holding his glass of wine, wearing a dark silk robe, everything about him exuded power.
– My boy. – His satisfied smile sent chills down my spine. I placed my suitcases on the floor. The older man extended his hand for me to take it. Eric. In my mind, that was the one I expected. – I knew you'd come back. You realized who your real owner is... – I hated that he was right all along, but it wasn't just that; fear was wrapped in my decisions.
– Yes. – The word came out with effort. I stepped closer and touched his hand. He pulled me onto his lap and hugged me tightly, like holding his most precious possession. The most precious object. My mind screamed Eric's name, and all I wanted then was to forget.
– Don't worry, my sweet Nathan, you'll live comfortably in this mansion. You'll officially sleep here in my chambers and never lack anything. – William whispered in my ear, running his hand over my body, as if examining me. Starting to undress me. Gran Fort thought he was giving me the world but was imprisoning me completely. He was my rare bird, caged.
– Why did you get involved with trafficking? – I asked more out of curiosity, or maybe my investigator instinct. That was a joke; there was no investigator instinct for someone who didn't know how to be one. Gran Fort didn't stop undressing me as he answered.
– Some girls and boys need encouragement. Also, it stimulates the clients; they pay well. It's very profitable. You felt good when I applied it to you, didn't you? – I shuddered, not wanting to recall the feeling, afraid of dependence again. The man noticed my tense body, now completely naked. – Don't worry, I won't make you use it again. At least not like that. – He pulled me and kissed my lips. I remembered his kisses, but now they felt bitter somehow. I gradually surrendered while he took my breath away, unable to stop thinking of the investigator. Although I knew I would forget, I just hoped it wouldn't take long.
His tongue was warm, the passionate kiss made my cheeks burn. I held tightly to the robe as it lasted. The sensation thrilled my accustomed body, as if reliving intense impressions.
– Good boy. Did you miss me? – The elder sighed, sending more shivers through my body. His firm hands held me tightly, reminding me to whom I belonged.
– Yes, master... – I didn't want to lie, but my body reacted to the older man, hard, full of desire. It was as if it remembered every impression caused, while my mind showed Eric's face, smiling or just scowling, giving orders, telling me not to get distracted during the search.
– Your body needs this. Your body needs pleasure. It needs me. – He lifted me into his arms, roughly throwing me onto the bed. I blushed slightly when he spread my legs, revealing my rigid arousal. The intense gaze of that man was unfamiliar, which made me even more aroused. I closed my eyes when his lips touched me, beginning to savor the pleasure.
– N-no... – The whisper escaped almost unconsciously. I still felt strange being there among those familiar red sheets. The Lord had marked me a lot before starting. – Just to get you used to it. – He said, gently stimulating me. The sensation excited me even more with the object touching my most sensitive spot. Even so, despite wanting it, I feared this might be my whole life. I ended up climaxing, gripping the sheets hard. For moments, I thought of nothing, arching my body at the peak, moaning, sweat running down the side of my face.
– That's... enough. – I whispered. Even saying that, I knew it wasn't up to me but to the other, who removed the object.
– We're not done yet. This is just the beginning. – William entered me, I felt the initial discomfort but, as if trained, I got used to it quickly. – Your body remembers me. You were made for this. – He kissed me again, and I wrapped my hands around his body. Even though I was kissing the lord of these lands, my mind wasn't focused on him, but on the investigator, his sweet lips, his tongue seeking mine.
I have no idea how long passed. Each sensation was different, every position in that room—from riding on his body, climaxing intensely, to hanging on his member with my hands on the wall trying to stay sane. I rolled my eyes constantly; my body was tense, each climax engulfing me in heavy exhaustion. My mind wandered toward Eric almost all the time, which made the sensations stronger. Moans escaped uncontrollably, constant shivers, my body increasingly marked. I collapsed on the bed, exhausted. The Lord stroked my hair while admiring my body, running his fingertips over each mark he had left.
– I have to go; I have some appointments. Clean up, then eat something. I don't want you sick. – Gran Fort went to the bathroom. After a brief bath and putting on some elegant clothes, I was half-asleep and saw nothing, just a kiss on my forehead before hearing the door close again. I closed my eyes. I don't know how long I slept but woke to hear someone open the door after knocking. I said nothing. It was the same servant who greeted me, bringing a tray with dinner. At least William had the sense not to let me go down to the dining room.
– Sir, your dinner. – She placed it on the table. She was a new girl, pretty, with bright, innocent eyes. Black hair and blue eyes. She must have been eighteen.
– Leave it there. What's your name? – I asked disinterested, enjoying the tiredness. My body fully marked by the man's possessiveness, the feeling of light shivers didn't leave me. I didn't care to hide it. I was the man's lover, and everyone would know with time.
– Amelia, sir. – She said, blushing and seemingly happy with the interaction. I sat without much difficulty. William knew how to leave no sign of displeasure on my body; he knew me like no one else. Being completely naked, I didn't mind when the girl blushed even more.
– Never seen a man's body? – I smiled and approached, touching her chin. I never had interest in the opposite sex, but that didn't mean I couldn't tease her, did it? I had to have some fun in such a deplorable place.
– N-no, sir... Better go and let you rest. The Lord will be angry if he finds out you're interacting with me. – Amelia already knew she should fear the lord of that place, even if she shouldn't engage so much with him.
– Oh, you're right. – I released her. If the lord of this castle knew I was interacting like this with someone, the girl would be punished. I don't want anyone hurt because of Gran Fort's possessiveness.
I ate something from the tray left beside the bed, then cleaned myself thoroughly, spending a long time in the bathtub. I liked the hot water and foam on my body. I knew that when William returned, he'd want me totally clean.
Gran Fort didn't take long to return. That man was insatiable, practically using me all night, seeming eager for everything. When I woke, I didn't know what day it was or how long I'd been there. Only that I was his possession, marked by his dominance.